Why I'm not ordering a 430

Hi Guys,

Firstly fabulous boat A&A, you'll have a fantastic time sailing her I’m sure.

I've been away a while (honestly I couldn’t log in, perhaps that banned me!!) and am interested to note some of the strong comments surfacing about Hanse quality control, after sales care and focus of the factory and management company.

I was one of the first that really started "nagging" loudly about certain issues and I’m glad to say that the long list of to do's is down to only things that the factory can now help with. They are items that need replacing etc but importantly none are critical items, just visual. But I must say the factory is continuing to be less than helpful. I read posts from others that don’t have the benefit of a seriously good dealer (as I do here in the UK) and I feel for them.  Peter and Co have been great. I've had to push hard occasionally but that is life. All in all, great job guys (ps best of luck Dom, you did loads to help mate).

But my underlying concerns remains. Michael S and the team in Germany have lost focus. They are indeed empire building. I was loathed to see yet another two models launched, the 320 and 350. That makes 6 boats in the 31 to 40 foot range. Come on guys!!! Iron out the issues with the current models first before you start trying to do that. Focus a little on your after care support i.e. helping the dealers. I have a 470, first one commissioned in the UK. Thank god I was in the capable hands of Hanse UK and still am (based at Hamble point) as I fear I would have sailed the thing to Germany and forcibly returned it had I not (but that’s me, I can be a little impatient, but honestly when you spend this much money I think I have a right to be!!) My advice is stay in the locale of your dealer for as long as possible. Don’t believe you can take delivery, stock the thing up and sail away within the week. Honestly I’m not sure you can with any boat.. but just don’t!!

All in all let’s be honest. If you are in this price range this is the best value for money out there. The yachts have a great range benefits all listed by others on this string. They do sail beautifully, the epoxy is a big plus, the interiors are spacious and great for cruising, but you know you can get to the great anchorages in a decent time. I would still endorse Hanse, but I would ask everyone, new and existing owners, to ask the question of the factory. What exactly are they trying to do; build more boats and models than any other, or facilitate fantastic, problem free sailing experiences. Personally there is so much going for Hanse, that if you keep your current owners happy and they will help you sell more boats for you than you can build. Think about it.